Executive Director of Advancement

Wartburg College•Waverly, IA

11d

About The Position

The Executive Director of Advancement serves as the senior operational and strategic leader within the Office of Institutional Advancement and is responsible for coordinating and aligning the work of multiple advancement functions, including annual giving, alumni and parent engagement, prospect management and research, advancement services, and donor relations. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Executive Director provides leadership, supervision, coaching, and strategic direction to directors and staff across these functional areas, ensuring divisional goals, constituent engagement strategies, fundraising priorities, and operational systems work together to advance the College’s mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum of four years of advancement-related experience, preferably in a higher education setting.
Strong leadership, management, and team-building abilities.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Familiarity with fundraising software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Slate, or similar).
Understanding of the mission and culture of liberal arts colleges or similar institutions.
Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as necessary.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, vision, and direction for advancement operations and engagement programs in support of the College’s mission and strategic priorities.
Provide strategic oversight for prospect management and research, advancement services, alumni and parent engagement, donor relations, and annual giving.
Recruit, supervise, mentor, and develop directors and professional staff within the corresponding areas of supervision.
Oversee advancement operations, business processes, and technology systems that support fundraising, engagement, stewardship, and reporting activities.
Partner with the Vice President and Advancement leadership to design and implement capital campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and strategic engagement efforts that support institutional priorities, academic programs, scholarships, capital projects, and student success.
Assist in the development and management of divisional budgets and resources.
Lead the ongoing optimization of Slate for Advancement and related technology solutions.
Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, college leadership, regents, and external constituents to advance fundraising and engagement priorities.
Serve as a key member of the Advancement leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and division-wide decision-making.
Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the Advancement Office and College mission.